Acne conglobata
| Acne conglobata | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Dermatology  |
Acne conglobata is a highly inflammatory disease presenting with
This condition generally begins between the ages of 18 and 30. It usually persists for a very long time, and often until the patient is around 40 years old. Although it often occurs where there is already an active acne problem, it can also happen to people whose acne has subsided. Although the cause of this type of acne is unknown, it is associated with testosterone and thus appears mainly in males. It can be caused by anabolic steroid abuse and sometimes appears in males after stopping testosterone therapy. It can also happen to someone who has a tumor that is releasing large amounts of androgens, or to people in remission from diseases, such as leukemia. In certain persons, the condition may be triggered by exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons or ingestion of halogens.[3]
Presentation
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Acne conglobata is a severe, inflammatory variant of acne. Inflammatory papules, papulonodules, nodules and pustules may coalesce, and abscesses in the skin may form sinuses that interconnect.
Treatment
The most common treatment is the acne medication isotretinoin. It may be combined with prednisone. Antibiotics such as dapsone, tetracycline or erythromycin may also be prescribed. An option to treat with carbon dioxide laser therapy, followed by topical tretinoin therapy has been described.[7]
Surgery may be necessary to remove large nodules. Alternatively, nodules can be injected with corticosteroids such as triamcinolone.[8]
See also
- List of cutaneous conditions
References
- ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
- ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
- ^ Acne Conglobata at eMedicine
- PMID 29083736.
- PMID 25396138.
- PMID 16844527.
- PMID 17683393.
- ^ Acne Conglobata~treatment at eMedicine